Chapter 6 - The Grand Entrance
The Grand Imperial Hotel towered over downtown Ravenport like a palace out of a nineteenth-century novel, its sprawling marble facade lit by dozens of golden chandeliers. Valet stands overflowed with luxury European sedans, and paparazzi crowded behind velvet ropes, their camera flashes exploding like continuous lightning against the night sky.
A black limousine pulled up to the grand entrance.
When the rear door opened, a murmur rippled through the crowd of reporters and socialites gathered near the steps.
Elena Marlowe stepped out first.
She wore a breathtaking, floor-length emerald silk gown that seemed to catch every beam of light, its sleek silhouette hugging her frame with understated elegance. Her hair was swept up into an intricate chignon, a few loose tendrils framing her face. She looked stunning, composed, and untouchable—a far cry from the terrified waitress running for her life in a rainy alley just twenty-four hours ago.
Instantly, the whispers started.
"Isn't that Daniel Marlowe's sister?"
"The dead man's sister? What is she doing here? She’s broke, she works at a diner!"
"Look at her dress—she must have borrowed it or stolen it. How embarrassing."
Elena felt her cheeks flush, the old familiar sting of public humiliation threatening to crack her composure. She stopped midway up the carpeted steps, her breath catching in her throat as the camera flashes blinded her.
Then, a large, warm hand settled gently on the small of her back.
Adrian Vale stepped out of the limousine behind her.
He wore a tailored black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a black silk bow tie. His presence commanded the entire entrance, silencing the reporters instantly. Flashbulbs went off at a blinding pace, capturing the most powerful man in Ravenport standing side-by-side with the woman the city had spent months mocking.
Adrian didn't rush. He looked out over the crowd of cameras with an expression of icy indifference, then turned his gaze down to Elena. He offered her his arm.
May you like
Elena slid her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling the solid muscle beneath the fabric. She lifted her chin, squared her shoulders, and took a deliberate step forward.
Together, the mafia boss and the despised bride walked through the grand double doors and into the dazzling, glittering chaos of the gala.
